Worship and Liturgical Ministries

Our worship and liturgical ministers use their gifts of time and talent to help serve in the celebration of the Mass, bringing the Word and Eucharist to our community of faith. All groups below warmly welcome new members. Ministries with an * before their title are appropriate for families and children. If you have difficulty contacting the Ministry Leader noted below, please call the church office. We will be glad to assist you!

*Altar Server Ministry

Young parishioners (grades 4 - 12) assist the priests and deacons during the celebration of Mass and other sacred ceremonies. Training for new servers is held twice a year. Read more.

Altar Society

Launder and iron the Communion purificators for the church, maintain the holy water fonts, and care for the Adoration Chapel. Friday afternoons or Saturday mornings. Contact Denise Murphy.

Church Mice

Helps provide an inviting worship space by straightening up the missalettes and song books and removing bulletins and other items left behind after weekend Masses. Ministry members meet on Monday mornings after the 8:45 am Mass for about 30 minutes. Contact Lucy Jones by email.

Eucharistic Ministers to Elderly/Homebound

Take Communion to elderly who are in facilities unable to attend Mass or to those who may be homebound. Training is provided. This is a long term volunteer commitment. Contact Ana Lothspeich at 704-364-5431, ext. 212.

Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick

Take Communion to those individuals who are temporarily unable to attend Mass due to illness. Training is provided. This is a short term volunteer commitment. Contact Kris Sheehan .

Eucharistic Minister to the Sick (Spanish)

Spanish speaking individuals take communion to those individuals who are temporarily unable to attend Mass due to illness. Training is provided. This is a short term volunteer commitment. Contact Evelyn Esquival by leaving a message at the Parish Office at 704-364-5431.

*Liturgy of the Word for Children

Leaders interpret the daily Gospel for children ages 4 – 2nd grade during the homily of the 9:00 am Sunday Mass. Lesson Plans are provided. Time commitment is minimal, 15-20 minutes once a month. Teen volunteers may provide assistance. Contact Denise Gruender .

*Ministers of Holy Communion

Lay ministers assist the priest at Mass by giving to others the Body and Blood of Christ. Training is offered several times a year. High school students may serve in this ministry. Contact Deacon Larry O'Toole or 704-362-5047, ext. 272.

Ministers of the Word

Parishioners proclaim The Word of the Lord at Mass, as it is found in the first and second readings. Orientation is required. Parishioners high school age and up are encouraged to join. Contact Michael Murphy.

Ministry of Prayer

Individuals pledge to pray daily for all St. Gabriel parishioners and receive parish prayer intentions monthly by mail. All are invited to participate, including the homebound and students away at college. Contact Genie Kramer by leaving a message the Parish Office at 704-364-5431.

*Music Ministry

Music at St. Gabriel includes opportunities for singers, instrumentalists, children and adults, those who are experienced and those who are learners. All are welcomed to join in the music that is an expression of faith, a part of the prayer of the Church. Learn about our choirs here.

*Perpetual Adoration

St. Gabriel is blessed to have one of the Diocesan Adoration Chapels open 24 hours a day. The chapel is located in the sactuary building and can be accessed through the far left-hand doors of the church courtyard. All are invited to come anytime and spend time in the loving, merciful presence of our Lord Jesus. Regularly scheduled adorers are needed for one hour each week. Contact Mrs. Estelle Wisneski.

*Ushers

Foster Christian hospitality to parishioners and visitors in church. Opportunities for youth at the 5:00 pm Mass on Sundays. Contact Bob Fernan.

Minister of the Word Readings: Find help here for preparing for each weekend’s Mass readings.

Volunteering Policies:
Safe Environment

All volunteers who work with children, young people or vulnerable adults must complete "Protecting God's Children" training, authorize a background check, and complete several forms. Find details here.